T-18 NEWSLETTER
N22JH James Hockenbrock's beautiful ship
In This Issue: Editor Trim Tabs Flight Safety Letter to the Editor Electric Trim - Gary Green Taming The Tiger's Tail - Dave Eby Engine Change-Out - Harry Paine Canopy Installation - Terry Adams
NOTICE: (STANDARD DISCLAIMER) As always, in the past, present, and future newsletters, we would like to make you aware that this newsletter is only presented as a clearing house for ideas and opiniotlS3 or personal experiences and that anyone using these ideas, opinions, or experiences. do so at their own discretion and risk. There/ore, no responsibility or liability is expressed or implied and is without recourse against anyone. 1
year old going back to college for an engineering degree, truck drivers, doctors, engineers, and military pilots, etc. etc. all having a co=on goal and interest, by sharing this background and building expe rience we add momentum to each project and as a result more T -ISs will be in the air. My thanks to you. Your response to my One thing is clear we are an old bunch, (I am request for support and 1990 dues was qualified to say that at 54) and should be great. For you that took the mighty pen in working to get some younger people into the hand and included a note of appreciation building stages. A ride in aT-18 is the best "your welcome", It's a good feeling to know sales pitch you can give. For a new builder that you like the direction were headed. An nothing helps more that to have a mentor, to even bigger "THANK YOU" to you that provide help and answer questions when took the time to write and submitt an article. those hard problems arise. I've had several As you will see, the article contributions over the years inclucing Howard Hender in this letter provide some excellant safety son, and now Paul Kirik. 1 don't think this and building tips. 1 notice that several of is an easy plane to build, It might be possible the articles were prepared and typed on to rush and assemble a fuselage in several computer word processors. It would be a days. However I Can tell you that Paul great help in the future to have a floppy disk, Kirik's Wright Brothers Award did'nt come along with the printed copy. This would from that sort of work. In my case 1 spent allow a direct read-in to my publishing more time then that just deburring and software without retyping. 1 can read any dimpling holes after taking it apart after mM compatable disk, let me know which initial assembly. Maybe the hardest part is sticking to one project for such a long time. If you've backed off get back to it, start o again on some small item and finish it. o This will provide a rewarding experience that will carry you on the the next item, and someday a flying "Tiger". wordprocessor you are using. The newslet On a sad note, Sylvan Keebler, Bentoina, ter sections that I would like to have as Mississippi passed away, as mentioned in standard fare will be, Letters to the Editor, Letter #73 he had been ill for some time. Safety and Flight Operations, For Sale Items, Announcement of Events, Reports on Events In closing, The Paines sent me an anounce and a Building Section. Your suggestions ment of another "Kentucky T -18 Get To are welcome for any changes you would like gether, its on May 11 & 12, so hope to see you to see to this general format. there. Last years turnout was 20 T-18 and over 50 people everyone had a great time! No one ever said that doing this newsletter would be easy. I can tell you, however that it certainly is rewarding, in the many people you meet and have an opporunity to learn from. We have an association of individuals with varied backgrounds, to name a few; a 59
2 I am glad to see someone like Jim Paine is looking into this who can get somebody to run some numbers on a fix. Sincerely Dick Amsden SIN 1268, N32AH, 150 HP Lyc 0320G, 9261bs. empty wt. TT 570 Hours. 20704 Birch Meadow Dr. Mt. Clemens, Mi 48042
Another letter: This one from John F. Kenton, *** Do any of the fellows expe rience landing gear bending at the axle stubs? I have already shimmed my axle stubs twice to put them back into tracking More Gear Problems! alignment. ** John Kenton 16611126th Dear Rich, In regards to cracked welds in Pl.SE, Renton, Wa 98058 the landing gears. I have a crack on both gear legs on front side (don't know about Paul Kirik will be writing this column in the back side yet) at cross member. The legs are future, he did'nt make it this time due to not bent. Suspect fatigue after 500 hours taking his Multi-engine, plus installing a flying and a landing on sad at~ Beaver Island , constant speed propellor in his T-18, he's a Lake Michigan in October 89. I don't know busy man. what they used for grass, but it just shook the whole airplane. Some kind of knobby FAA approved weeds!
This gear cracked on R.H. leg and bent aft 11/2" in 1983 when my partner at that time was trying to learn to fly. It is 2 1/2" longer, purchased from Jenkins.
We bought another gear from Brock and that didn't crack, but R.R leg bent aft 11/4". My partner quit.
Purchased a 4130 tube to slip over the leg and slotted to clear the cross member, but didn't use it. Instead, I had the Jenkins cracked gear welded and completely re annealed and heat treated by a high class heat treat shop in Detriot. This is the gear that has a crack on each leg now.
It is a weak spot on the airplane. In 1983 Bob Dial had a cracked gear in his hangar from some other guy's T -18. Cracked on aft L.H. side.
3 Editor: I remember hearing a great story about that aiJplane and a controller, something about I'm too sick to P-- also. (N262PE) What was that all about? lLe1t1l:em • • • • 0 0 • • • • • 0 • 0 • • • • • 0 • • • 0 • • • • • 1to 1the Dear Richard: Enclosed is $25 for 1990 Edi1tor Newsletters. I am just in the process of completing my first T-18 and will base it at Whiteman Airpark. SIN 682, Gordon We've recently moved to rural Oregon from MacDonald, Glendale, Calif too busy Orange County, Calif. Flying here • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • is great, and no crowded skies although a bit more IFR Weather: which brings me to A Dear Richard, I would like to personally REQUEST-- Would like to know ifanybody thank you for carrying on this task and I successfully installed a two axis autopilot in will support your efforts to the best that I a Thorp ?? Would be glad to accept a collect can, MyT-18 has the0-290"G"engine, call from any of the members who could shed standard wings/fuselage. I'm on the hori some light on it, or a note with some of the zontal tail now. SIN 1075. Thank you Nicho details. Good luck with the newsletter. Don las Shewalter, 4250 New Lothrop Rd. Skeele, 16933 Old Mehama Rd.,Stayton OR Corunna,MI48817 97383, Phone # 503-769-2563 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Richard, Welcome. I like what I see. Your Editor: How about it folks? Some one give him computer will clearly add a sense of class a shout! and professional look. I fly T -18 (N794PT) and have attended Oshkosh, Arlington et. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 • • • • • • • • al. If I can help by contributing please let Dear Richard: me know. Thanks for what your doing! Ron Here's my 1990 dues looking forward to your Johnson, Sparks, Nevada. new newsletter. T-18 sin 1087 N394AC has been flying since about 1977. I purchased it in Editor: Ron, how about sending a sketch of 1979 and have approx. 800 hrs on it. Harry your firewal4 showing the location of items Wheeler, One Dana DR., Groveland, MA in the engine compartment? Thanks! 01834 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 • • • • • • • • • • Dear Richard, Thank you for taking on the T-18 Newsletter. I really appreciate the Dear Richard: Good luck with your new job time Dick has put into it and what time you as editor. I look forward to receiving the will be contributing. I'm building an S upcoming issues. I own T-18 N262PE, version that is probably about 30% currently disassembled for rebuilding. The there. The projects for sale are of special newsletter. have been an excellent source of interest to me. I hope to streamline my information & encouragement. Keep up the costs & time a bit that way. Thanks again, good work. Thanks, Randall L. Porter, 1565 Terry McCartney, 22 134th St. SE, Everett, Glenwood Way, Upland, Calif 91786, Phone WA98204 714-985-8655 • • 0 • 0 • • • • • • • • 0 • • • • • • • • 0 0 • • • 0 • • • Editor: We all owe a large debt to Dick
4 Cavin and don't forget his wife, both have Power is a 0-320 with a wood prop Sen 66- spent hOUTS upon hours getting the newsletter 74. In 8 years of flying I have just over 400 out. The Tuesday Night T-18 banquet at hours flying time. I am based at Oakland Oshkosh this year will be held in Dick and Pontiac Airport in Michigan. Tail No. N8AL. Mrs Cavins honor. So let's all be there to I look forward to the news letters. AI Boson thank them personally. etto, 32625 Benson Dr. Westland, Michigan • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 • • • • • • • • • • • • Phone # 313-261-6852.
Dear Dick, I am building T-18 #166 with • • • • 0 • • • • • • • 0 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 • an 0-290 G engine. The fuselage and wings are complete. I bought the project from Richard, Thanks for taking over. Sincerely Dave Simpkins nearly three years ago. I John Evens SIN 1171 P .S. N71JE should Fly have nearly completed the engine installa this coming season. tion. Only the cowl installation and cockpit •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• remain to do, prior to assembly & rigging. Richard, I hasten to write this because I just I have received several responses to my sent in $15.00 for the dues two days ago to letter published in a prior newsletter, These Dick Cavin, not knowing the correct amount. were forwarded to me since I have moved Also, I sent in a sketch of my fuel system on since writing the letter. I would appreciate my T -18C which I thought might be used in a note explaining the address change, in the Dicks' publication. Dick has done a superb newsletter. I am planning on sending a job on the newsletter and it is good to see regular contribution of information to you. I that he can now relax from it with you taking would like to see information from others it on. I am the newsletter editor for EAA on accessories and etc. There are Mags/ Chapter 26 -Seattle, and know that help is ignitions which improve the performance needed. If there are any areas that you are of the Lyc. engine. Digital tacks and many interested in for the T -18 newsletter that I other things. Newaddress: Brad Chapman, might contribute 4512 SW 99th Ave., Beaverton OR 97005. drop me a line. In the meantime, when you Thanks for your commitment to publish the next make changes in the roster please newsletter. Brad correct the spelling of my name. There is no "e" in it. Editor: Thank you Brad, I'll be looking for I am getting close to finishing my airplane ward to your articles and tips. and to start of testing and first flight. It has o • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 • • • been over fourteen years since I started but Dear Richard, Thanks for taking over the this year hopefully we can get it to Oshkosh. Newsletter. Sure have gotten a lot of good There are four or five T -ISs from Seattle info from it. I have upholstery, engine baf that are planning to make the trip as a group fling and cowling to go. Will send info after and I want to be part of that. See you there. it flies. Good luck with the letter. Sin Sincerely, Frank Snedeker, 5528 231 Ave. cerely, Bob Koepp, 1380 Sunny Heights Rd, SE Issaquah, Wa 98027 Phone # 206-392- Fallbrook, Cal92028, Phone # 619-723- 0124 P.S. Ireally like the logo ofthe T-18 8755 on the letterhead of your letter and would • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • like to use it on my own if you would give me permission. Dear Richard, Enclosed is a check for • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • $25.00 as dues for the 1990 Newsletters. I Editor: Frank, everything is straight on your built my T -18 in 7.5 years, finishing in 1982. dues, thanks, 1 still don't have the article on I have a standard body with a standard wing. fuel system so will include it next time. The
5 T-18 logo is from Phil Tucker's Sport Aviation Richard, Thanks for the notice, I am New Catalog. I called him this week to see sending the $25.00. I am rebuilding a T-18 if it would be ok for othelO to use the picture, built in Michigan years ago. Having some he said sure. I will be running a betterpicture problems as it wasn't built very well origi of it later with a credit to Phil. nally. I think it will be finished this su=er. • • 0 • • • • • • • 0 • • • • • 0 0 • • • • • • • • 0 • • 0 I hope I can get to Oshkosh this year if only Dear Richard, I have my dues paid for 1990, for the weekend which I have been able to but I know that to start publishing the T -18 do for the past several years. I can't seem Newsletter from a new base will entail extra to get a vacation that time of year. I am a city expenses to get things moving along in an truck driver for Churchill Truck lines and orderly manner. So here is my check for this is my third homebuilt project. KR-ll, $25.00. Having lived in Dallas some years Dragonfly, were both started from scratch. ago, I have known Dick Cavin for about 30 This is the first and last rebuilt project for years. I think that he has done an outstand me. Sincerely Kenny Rantz 9805 P Cir ing job in publishing the T -18 Newsletter, Omaha, Neb 68127 Phone # 402-593-9492. and Dick has done very much for the entire phase of Homebilts. Its time for him to take Editor: We could use an article on what to it easy- I am the owner of Thorp T-18 SIN look for, "watch out for" in buying a project 22, N22DD. I have been flying it for 13 or a finished plane. After my last purchase years and enjoy every minute that I get it off I'm no longer qualified to write that story. The the ground, and into the "blue yonder". song is called "blinded by the light". There Wishing you all the success in the world as aren't very many short cuts to having a good T- our new T-18 Newsletter Editor, with best 18. regards M.D. Dan Dudash, North Holly • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 • • • • wood, California. Richard, Enclosed Check $25.00 for the 1990 Edition of the T-18 Newsletter. I am Editor: You really don't think Dick Cavin confident that the Newsletter for 1990 and going to take it easy, do you?? How about it on, in future years will be in good hands ... Dick? Our friend Dick Cavin has done his share in o 0 • • 0 • • • 0 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 • • • • • • providing the newsletter in the past and Richard, Enclosed please find 1990 dues of indeed deserves a big thanks from all the T- $25.00 for newsletter. I'm sorry I'm not yet 18 builders ... Respectfully Yours, Ernest J building so therefore will probably have no Estefan, 1414 W. Jackman, Lancaster, Ca. input until such time as I do. I certainly wish you the very best of everything in this Editor: Ernie's letter just about says it al~ venture. As you have already indicated you Thanks are keenly aware of its magnitude. I don't o • 0 • • • • 0 • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 • 0 0 • • 0 • 0 • know if it was passed on to you or not but Dear Dick, I compliment you on the content if anyone wants a tape of last years T -18 and quality of the last T-18 Newsletter. I'm meet at Paduacha, Ky. tell them to send me glad to see someone with your ability and a tape and I'll run one off and return it initiative take over and continue this impor COD. I don't expect to make "OSH" next tant clearing house for T -18 news. I have August as we.will possibly be traveling recently installed a different electric motor through that period in Southern and West for my stab trim. *** EditolOnote: see Gary's ern USA Take care, Jim Strickenberger article on electric trim in other section of this 4344 Gem Ct, Erie Pa. 16504. newsletter * * * * • • • • 0 • • 0 • • • • • 0 • • • • 0 • 0 0 0 • • • • • • • Marty Sidener has purchased Karl & Mazie
6 Lipscomb's S-18 so there are now 2 T-l& on orders out & seems to be just a heck of a the airstrip here at Pecan Plantation. We'd swell guy. welcome any transient T -l8ers and can house and hangar overnighters. Maxine and Beth, my wife & I will certainly be at Sun-N I are looking forward to the Spring T -18 Fun again camped in our usual spot. That's round-up at Kentucky Lake. Hope the the Port-O-Let side across the road from attendance and weather is as good as last the showers. We'll be in a white chevy Falls. conversion van with metallic gray trim. If P .S. Pecan Plantation is on your Dallas you have a chance please find me or I'll sectional, 30 miles SW of FT. Worth. Five search for you (all T -18ers). miles south of the Acton VOR. 3600', paved. Transient T-l& welcome. Gary & Maxine While I've never had a ride in aT-18 maybe Green, 2530 Bellechase, Granbury, Tx. this'll be the year!? Big steak dinner to the 76048 phone 817-579-1995 driver who gives me a ride. I'll bribe any one. Take care, Dave Goff, 3442 Putham Editor: Good article on the electric trim Gary. Rd. SLAug. Fl32086 I plan to use it in my bird ifI can find one of Phil's address is Phil Tucker Sport Aircraft, those switches. Help! 104 E. Ave ](,,4 Unit G Lancaster, Ca. 93535 o • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Phone number 805-949-2312 or 945-2366 Dear Richard, I'm glad that I gave you a call and that we had a chance to talk. I'm excited Editor: T-l&rs going to Sun-N-Fun look for about the possibility of finding a Thorp with Dave's camp site, this would be a good place the help of your newsletter and hopefully to rally. I may not make it down since I want flying this spring. Here's a list of what I'm to go to Kentucky in May and Osh. in August. looking for: low time (age not a factor), I checked out the cost of using our clubs 180 completed or very nearly completed project, to fly from nz Wow!, the advantages of owning ()"320 or better, Not a folding wing, $15,000 your own T-18 really become clear when your - $20,000 cash deal. If you run into some talkin $50 per hour for the club plane. Thanks thing that I might be interested in, and you for your letter Dave, by the way my current T- could give me a call collect or drop me a 18 came UPS from Phil's business. He's been note, I would really apprieciate it. Thanks good to work with when problems came up. for your help. Sincerely Jinnny Cash, 5602 "SORRY THIS WAS TOO LATE" Texoma, Enid, Ok 73703, Phone 405-237- 1234. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 • • • 0 • • • • • • • • New Address for Phill Tucker! Rich, received your note today. Briefly, Phil Sport Aircraft Inc. Tucker, from Lancaster California bought 44211 Yucca, Unit A Ken Knowles' "Sport Aircraft" a number of Lancaster, Ca 93535 years ago & supplies practialy anything for the T -18 except the canopy & a few (?) other items. Even though I've never met Phil, I believe we know each other fairly well through many phone calls. As a matter of fact, at times I called him so often, I raised my stock in AT&T. Phil is very typical. anxious to answer my question, very gener ous to help with problems, quick to get
7 In this Corner : Electric trim -- Gary Green Taming the Tiger's Tail -- Dave Eby Engine Changeout -- Harry Paine Canopy Installation -- Terry Adams
Electric Trim by Gary Green I have recently installed a different electric motor for my stabilator trim. For over 9 years I have used a power window motor from a mid-70's Chrysler. It has always been too fast and powerful (and heavy) even when re duced via a rheostat/resistor to run on about 5 or 6 volts. John Mihalia and Dave Eby from Wichita Falls put me on to a better motor. It is readily available from a PITCiHI OOWN Grainger Store or Catalog. Enclosed is a copy of the catalog page showing the motor. I installed the 12 RPM Model (#4Z837) and Gary Cotner from Tulsa installed the 17 ROLL LIEFI' ¢:J c:) ROLL lRlGlIT RPM Model (#4Z838). If I had it to do over, e I'd use the 17 RPM Model also. My 12 RPM is just a little too slow and Cotner's 17 RPM snCK seems just about right. We both have 4 position military "coolie hat" switches mounted on the stick grip to operate electric aileron and stabilator trim. They are single pole-double throw switches, thus require relays to operate. Cotner built our relay boxes out of Radio Shack compo Control Stick nents and they are encased in small plastic boxes about the size of a cigarette pack. I mounted the motor on the bulkhead aft Gary Green· of the rear baggage compartment bulkhead. 2530 Bellechase It couples up to the original aluminum tnbe Granbury, TX 76048 that drives the trim jackscrew as per T -18 817-579-1995 plans.
8 Electric Trim Continued
4!POSjTION MJlLTI['J r-f --~ ~ ~ ,--0----: -?GlOOl .... I2 V' r"'" "" l ('\ ('\ t) () ~ () () ('\ ('\ ~'Il ~'Il ~'Il ~'Il ~ .,y ~ 1 " ,/'" -:7 ,/"" ~GlOOl ~ - 8T IE TIRlIM MOTOR AJIlLIERON 'lI'lUM MO'fOR .;" :':,;', .n_...... .~~\ Jh, GEARCASE CONSTRUCTION MOTOR CONSTRUCTION BEARINGS: Fully enclosed, self aligning, TYPE: 12VDC, permanent magnet pourous bronze HP: 111200 to 1.'90 GEARS: Heavy duty steel spur for long life and DUTY: Continuous reliability in reversing applications. ROTATION: I{c\'crsible MOUNTING: All position BRUSHES: Externally replaceable LEADS: 6' Full~ N. full-Load Full- load load Torqua LOld Gear Dimensions Slock s~" RPM RPM lin/lbs) HP Amps Ratio A B C N•. Ust Each !. 0.45 0.58 50,0 111200 0.30 2420:1 3.60" O.80H 0.641" 4Z832 $54.00 $38.14 1.5 1.5 1.95 25,0 lIlOOD 0.33 871.5:1 3.60 0.80 0.641 4Z833 53.00 35.41 1.5 3.4 4.31 31.5 11400 0.60 580:1 3.85 0.80 0.641 4Z834 55.00 36.41 1.5 4.5 5.61 38.0 lf2DO 0.90 580:1 3.85 0.80 0.641 4Z835 54.00 36.05 1.5 8.75 11.14 35.0 11120 1.10 267.5:1 4.22 0.80 0.641 4Z836 56.00 37.64 1.5 12.0 17.00 40.0 1190 1.70 191.6:1 9 Now measure the "toe-in-toe out" of the GROUND wheels. Place a straight edge against the HANDLING rear edge of both tires half way up the tire. See photo #1. With a large "T" square, by measure the angle between the straight line Dave Eby behind the tire and the outside edge of the tire. With the square against the straight edge, slide it in against the tire. It should "TAMING THE TIGER'S TAIL" touch the front and rear side walls simulta neously. If it doesn't install shims between In 1979 Dr. Shinn wrote an article in the axle and gear leg to eliminate any toe newsletter #48 on main gear alignment. in or toe-out. You can get shims from He explained the forces on the wheels and Aircraft Spruce of make your own. I have reaction to misalignment. "The Sportplane checked 3 T -18 gears - all from the same Builder" also has a chapter on landing gear manufacture. All had about one degree of alignment. To both of these, I want to add toe out built into them. This shows up in use some techniques learned in the process of by wear on the inside of the tire if not rigging T-1S's to have docile steering corrected. Now check the vertical tilt of the characteristics on takeoff and landing -- Ex wheel - camber. Place the square on the perts at t:1lls- forgive me for telling you what floor and against the tire. See photo #2. you already know. Camber will change slightly with load, so the consensus of the "experts" is to have a small amount of inward tilt at the bottom of the tire. As you slide the square against the tire, it should touch the top of the tire with a gap of about l/S" at the bottom. Photo #1 Checking Toe In/Out MAIN GEAR ALIGNMENT. This proce dure is borrowed from a Cessna service manual; it is easy and cheap. Make two sandwiches. Instead of bread, use sheet Photo # 2 Checking Camber metal about lS" square. In place of peanut butter, use grease. Center the sandwiches TAILWHEELALIGNMENT. These tips in front of the wheels on the floor. With the were in previous Cavin Grams and are tail wheel trailing straight back, roll the repeated for those who don't have them. aircraft forward on to the sandwiches. Roll The length of the main spring makes a differ it back and forth a few times without the ence. The longer the spring - placing the wheels leaving the sandwiches. This puts wheel farther aft - the easier it is to hold the the wheels in a set unaffected by the floor. 10 airplane straight on the ground. Another factor is the tilt of the tailwheel vertical axle. The top of the axle shaft should tilt forward. To achieve this tilt, remove the main spring and use a press to put a tiny bend in the spring just forward of the casting attach point. RUDDER PEDALS. It would be idea to be able to hold the rudder pedal full forward, then apply brake when you run out of rudder effectiveness. Ifyour rudder pedal Photo # 4 Tank Support Mod rigging won't permit this, here are a few fixes. Hook the pedal to the master cylinder LOCKING TAILWHEEL John Mihaila, so the top of the pedal tilts toward the pilot. SN 1148, 23HA, Wichita Falls Tx, made a This allows you to press on the brake before locking tailwheel for his T -18. It is held the pedal hits the tank support. However, unlocked for taxing turns by a small handle with the top of the pedal tilted toward you, in the cockpit. Take off and landing steering you will place your foot on the bottom of the is much easier thaIl with a steerable tailwheel. pedal for take off and landing to prevent inadvertent braking. Now because ofthe curved lip on top of the pedal, you can't slide your foot up to get positive braking without lifting your foot off the pedal. 1bis can be cured by attaching tapered wood blocks to the pedals. See photo #3. There are several ways of altering the airplane to allow the top of the rudder pedal to go farther forward. One is to cut away part of the pedal to allow it to pass the tank support. See photo #3. Or cut away part of the tank Photo # 5 John Mihaila's Locking support and reinforce the remaining struc Tail Wheel ture. See photo #4. HORROR STORY SECTION. If your air plane doesn't have a forward tunnel, pay attention to this: one of the reasons for the tunnel was to keep your feet on the inboard rudder pedals. Follow this scenario - an "instructor" is teaching a "student" to land aT-18 that doesn't have a forward tunnel. The instructor keeps his feet back away from the pedals so the student can get the feel of the rudder and tailwheel steering response. When the instructor takes over to Photo # 3 Pedal Mods: Cut Away, correct a swerve or assist the student, it is Wood Block, Foot Restrainer. possible for the instructor to not place his 11 shoe squarely on the inboard pedal, and a 327 Chevy motor) After looking around, have it slip off into the space where the I finally ended up using a modified shape tunnel would have been. To prevent this Vans RV-3 intake with the optional filtered from happening, attach a loop of industrial air for carbo heat. It works great! At cruise, belt to the pedal so it crosses and inch of two I get an additional 125 RPM from direct above the shoes laces of the foot on the ram air. The only disadvantage so far is that pedal. See photo #3. it gets a lot of water accumulated if it sits in the rain. 2. Bigger motor that's nice and tight does DaveEby not let direct drive starter work good at all. 3206 Martin Blvd. I put in brand new #4 cable hoping to help Wichita Falls, Tx. 76308 and it did, but on a cold Wisconsin winter 817-766-2523 day, I'd need a jump start. As far as any engines 0320 and bigger, they need to have a geared starter. I just sent away for one of those new Skytech geared starters. Will report on this later! 3. New motor runs lean at full power!! I've read about this problem before so I changed the carbo first to a MSA-4P-5009 which according to the man (who wasn't any help) at Facet Aerospace, is one of the richer ruuning carbs of the 0320 series. This helped Engine Changeout a little bit. So then I drilled out the main by Harry Paine jet to .040; this helped a little bit more but not enough. So I drilled it out again to #37 drill. This still didn't get the job done. It has taken about one year for me to have Talking to a bunch of experts, I finally something to write about. Last March I ended up flying (yes it would fly fine at full finally completed replacing my 0290 for and power with carbo heat on, and over 5,00 feet 0-320 E2D. It was more than just removing I could take the carbo heat off) to the the old and putting in the new like a lot of Bakersfield RV airforce. people said! If someone is thinking of doing it, count on changing the engine mount, They have about 18 or 19 RV-3's, RV-4's, adding or subtracting engine mount washers and one RV-6. After talking to John to make the new motor align properly, making Harmon of Harmon Special fame he sug new baffling, new intake system, new wiring gested I put in a fuel pump, even though I for starter and alternator. All new engine have a proven gravity flow system. He even controls,new fuel system, and maybe that's gave me a good ruuning fuel pump that one all!!! Some of the major problems were as of the guys had left over when they went to follows: a fuel injection system. I went back home and put it in, and the engine works just fine. 1. New location of carburetor did not allow use of old intake/filter system, (which Thanks John!!!! worked really well using and air filter from 12 4. Put on a new motor with old 6&66 prop runup gives 2100 static and 2600 max full power!! Changed prop to 6&64 and get 2250 static and 2800 max full power and 5 mph slower than old engine! Whoa! I was going in reverse! I then borrowed Great American Props Tach Checker and found Tach was reading 125-200 RPM Slow!! Put on a brand-new style 68x70 GAP prop and now get 2200 RPM static and 2850 Max RPM. I could probably go to a 68x72 and get the max RPM down to 2700. P.S. Great American's new props are measured totally different for pitch than their old props. Dick: Your last N.L. really turned on the Another words an old 6&66 is about a new guilt factor, so here's my attempt at an 68x71. (Sad note: GAP has closed their article. Let me start this offby saying that my doors until further notice) metal working experience was zero, so this article will be aimed at those individuals Those were the major problems. That carbo like myself who upon receiving the drawings problem about drove me nuts. If I was to said," What have "I gotten myself into! !" do it all over again I think I would have put Having never worked with sheet metal, let and Ellison Throttle Body on it and a fuel alone blueprints, it first appeared I had pump to begin with. Some of the other bitten off more than I could chew, IE:Bend things I did was to put fresh air systems with allowance, Butt line, dimple, etc., etc.... so as the intake right adjacent to the carbo intake a result, the partial project I bought (Ken and run a 2 1/2" sCat to the cockpit that Hamilton's) has been little more than a Y's into the copilot's and pilot's Big six place for the cat to sleep in .... Until recently! eyeball type nozzle. It works great. I got rid So for you folks out there staring at your of the old corvair oil cooler and put in a prints or trying to decide where part #611 regular Harrison NC Type. Never have goes, hopefully I can lend some words of seen the oil temperature over 210 and that encouragement to get you started. was on a 95 degree day max power climb. 1. Obtain all copies of the past newsletters Enclosed is a copy of T -18 Performance and the EAA article about building the T- Data. 18. Read each article, Yes I know some are very technical, but press on. They will begin Sincerely to make sense later down the road. HarnrPaine 2. Separate the blueprints into sub-assem 477 Printz Rd. blies, IE: fin, rudder, etc. An accordion file Arroyo Grande, California folder works great to store the prints in. 3. Order enough parts for a complete assembly, IE: fin, rudder, flaps, (less those you plan to make). When the parts arrive, lay them out with the prints and see how the 13 parts correlate. Once you do this, blueprint 6. Now pumped up, I was determined to reading is really easy to understand. succeed! All the N.Ls said if you can build the fin, you can build any component on the 4. Practice bending scrap aluminum utiliz T-18. So after studying the prints and laying ing radius blocks. (See book by Tony out the nbs to visualize the final assembly Bingeles, Sport Plane builder) for some ex I began to drill #30 holes at the prepunched cellent tips on making radius blocks. Drill as locations. Then the nbs were clecoed to many practice holes as you can stand and gether. (starting to look an airplane!) Now then RIVET RIVET, RIVET.... until you the fin skin. To cut out the skin (Ken Knowles punched and scnbed) I nsed a black and decker Two-speed rotary cutter (works great on carpet, tile etc.) to cut within 1/4 of and inch of the scnbe line. The skin was clamped to my work table ( 4x8 in N.L #13) and shaved to the scribe line (N.L # 13). At this point the results were more that I could have hoped for. RIbs feel comfortable with the gun and bucking clecoed and skin ready to be formed. I bars. (N.L and FAA pubs are a good formed the skin as outlined in the EAA source for riveting techniques. article and fit it like a glove! Several pilot #30 holes were drilled in the prepunched 5. Perhaps my biggest fear (after learning to locations on the skin to check for alignment read the prints) was taking an expensive with those on the nbs. These matched so part from Ken Knowles (Phil Tucker) and holes in the nbs were drilled at these point. bending the flange wrong of drilling holes in DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT drill all the the wrong place... well, you know what, that's holes at once. If you do, sure as that pile exactly what happened the first time out! of scrap on my garage floor, several of the After nilinerous parts lay on the garage holes will be too far out of alignment to floor with severe battle damage, it was time salvage with the #40 drill. Once your first to seek some experienced advice. At Gillespie couple of pilot holes are clecoed together field in San Diego, I found several T -18 then go ahead and drill the rest through the projects in various states of completion. skin/nbs, Wow! A complete fin, less rivets! After talking with these gents and explain Showed my pride and joy to the gents at ing my VERY LIMITED metal experi Gillespie field and they said it looked great! ence, all suggested that the only way I was Can't stop me now! This is too easy! And going to build this airplane was through too much fun! The rudder and flaps came persistence, practice and some luck. At this next and the finished assemblies (less point in the discussion I was shown in the rivets) are beautiful! Once you start and corner of each hangar I visited, a pile of resign yourself that mistakes are part of the expensive parts with holes drilled in the process in building the T -18, then you've wrong places and others with goofed up won half the battle. Dick, I promise not as flanges! Could I be on the right track? long to submit another article. Well not so fast, as I finish this article, we have just moved into a new house, and you know what that means! More Honey do projects! Nuff Said for now. Rich Brazell, 3126 Calle De Oro Jamul, Ca 619-669-0583 14 a router table. Place the frame onto the airplane then carefully install the plexi. You can adjust the plexi to achieve to best fit. Begin the careful and slow task of trimming and fitting until you are satisfied. The plexi will extend beyond the point of contact with the tube frame, thus allowing plenty of edge clearance for the large holes at each screw location. Trim the front edge so that it nearly comes into contact with the edge of the windshield. Canopy installation: Now either polish the edges or drill holes. I used a belt sander to begin the I found it preferable to temporarily polishing, then filled, then sanded by hand. install my windshield first to allow the I drilled the holes by laying out the hole canopy to flow from the windshield in a pattern from the plans directly onto the smooth transition. plexi with the tubing to give me a straight Install the upper front and upper line. Using a #40 drill bit I drilled and rear canopy rollers. Ensure that the frame clecoed each hole through the plexi onto the rolls freely, and iustall stainless steel strips frame. " on the roller tangs if they abrade against the Now to make trim strips. To make tracks. If necessary, rework the bends in the the trim strip at the front across the top, frame to establish a perfect mating to the start with a 6-8 inch wide strip of poster roll bar and fuselage sides. The top front board etc. long enough to go from side to of the frame should be slightly higher than side over and across. Tape if in place lying the roll bar thus matching the angle of the a flat against the Plexiglas, then mark the windshield. With this angle continuing into underside of the posterboard at the front the canopy, as the canopy is closed it will edge of the Plexiglas and a CL. This piece provide a positive seal as the windshield and should lap over the side strips at the first canopy trim strip mesh together. Install the side hole also. Remove the poster board canopy latch. and mark a parallel curved line rearward 1"- Lay the uncut canopy inverted on the 2" apart (at least wide enough to give screw new, clean, flannel cloth. If you wish extra hole edge clearance). Transfer to 6061 al. protection, use Plexiglas masking material Each side trim strip is easy; for they (available from Aircraft Spruce and others) are each a straight 2+inch wide strip. Cut which can later be peeled off. Put duct tape them for approximate length, they will be all around wherever it will make contact fitted later. with the Plexiglas as a buffer. Position the The back dovetail piece takes a little frame into the Plexiglas to establish a rough work. Again use a piece of poster board to trim line. Again remember to estimate the start a pattern. This piece must go from side slope of the Plexiglas at the top front of the to side lapping under the side strips at the frame to match the windshield slope. last hole. Roughly trim to size, them trans Another point is to check the fit at the rear. fer to 6061 al. Leave in the flat. Once you are satisfied, mark the rough trim Place masking tape on the plexi above line onto the plexi with your fihn marker, the screw holes to protect against abrasion leaving a generous bit extra. Trim with a flex of the trim strips when you fit them. Mark a cut off wheel mounted in a drill motor, or on line onto the tape above the screw line 15 providing edge clearance where you wish the edge of the al. to fall. Remove the plexi Items for Sale laying once again inverted on the flannel. Prepare the aluminum edges. Using spring For Sale: 0290G, zero time with certified clamps, clamp the al. strips onto the plexi shaft, cam, and reconditioned tappets. aligning it with the reference line. Using a Will develope 135hp with D2 pistons. #40 drill bit and a backup block, drill from Includes crank flange reinforcement, lugs, the back side ofthe plexi through the chrome rings, 0320 sump. Ken C. Morgan, aluminum and cleco. On the dovetail, drill 922 Simpson Ter, Bedford, Tx 76021 only the four holes across the back leaving (817) 498-8533 the metal in the flat. Once finished, un cleco, install the tube frame and re-cleco. For Sale: Dynafoca1 Engine Mount, (Ken Install the canopy onto the airframe. At this Knowles) $200, Fuel Tank (Ken Knowles), point you will need to remove some strips $200, Fiberglass Wing Tips (Ken Knowles), as you work on fitting others. The two side $100 for the pair. Barrett M. Kemp strips are slowly formed with a block of wood 4018 Quiet Knoll Court, Houston, Tx 77059 to conform to the slope of each turtle deck (713) 280-8156 skin. The front over the top piece shonld already fit nicely and should be trimmed to For Sale: T-I8c Project, has 0290 power fit over each side strip. plant, fiberglass and metal cowl, basic in Fitting the rear dovetail begins by struments, flush riveting through-out. shimming under the tube frame to support Bob Shuck 3401 E. 31st, Sioux Falls, SD the rear of the frame above the deck. Pro 57103 Phone (605) 338-5769 vide plenty of tape to protect the plexi. Cleco the al. in position and hand form the For Sale: T -18 project. Fuselage, center sides against the canopy. The most difficult wing assebled but not covered. Most parts job is keeping the al. in place as you work finished. Low time 0-290-Dl, instruments. the fitting of each side to match the side trim Call for list. $6000. also two Hartzell Con strips. Once you have a fit that you are stant Speed Propellers, HC-82XL-2C 69 comfortable with, the hole on each side inches long and HC-82XL-2C 72 inches long. Phone 1-804-420-5606 m~st be drilled with the plexi off the frame, remstall and check the fit with both side H. Karibian, 621 Woodstock Rd. Virginia strips. The canopy should now fit satisfac Beach, Va. 23464 torily in clecos. If you aren't happy, make the changes now. ForSale: T-18C, Folding wing, also trailer, As with the instructions on installing has 2 Nav Corum, inter co=, incoding the windshield, ream out the holes in the transponder, Loran C, artifica1 horizon, DG plexi with a bullet grinding stone, drill out 4EGT&CHT. O-SMOH-0-360 A3ALyc. and dimple the al. strips, and apply a chafe Ellison Carb. $36,000 Lyle Fleming, 20 St E. material. Use #6 or #8 recessed screws Lancaster California 93535 Phone (805) 942- whichever size you choose, drill out the 2481. frame holes and install rivnuts. Use either a thin strip of chafe material or I believe I For Sale: Plans for swing down instrument read somewhere that someone used a bead panel. Contact Robert Yeakey (214) 348- of silicone. 2947 16 WHERE: KENTUCKY DAM STATE PARK WHEN: MAY 11 & 12 , 1990 Reservations are to be made for the "Paine Party" with: Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park General Delivery Gilbertsville, KY 42044-9999 Phone: (502) 362-4271 11 06 llHdtt "l 'OM Hlll11S~lM 911 Bulk Rate T-18 NEWSLETTER u.s. Postage ROUTE 3, BOX 295 Paid CLINTON, IL 61727 Permit No. 137 1-217-935-4215 Decatur, Ill.